Nigeria’s Super Eagles were left with a tougher road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The match, played at Free State Stadium, saw the home side take the lead in the 25th minute when captain William Troost-Ekong mistakenly diverted a cross into his own net. Nigeria leveled before halftime as Calvin Bassey rose to head in Bright Osayi-Samuel’s cross in the 44th minute.
The game began on a sour note for Nigeria when defender Ola Aina limped off injured in the sixth minute, forcing an early substitution. Despite several second-half chances, including efforts from Tolu Arokodare and Samuel Chukwueze, the Eagles could not find a winning goal.
Coach Eric Chelle had made three changes to the side that beat Rwanda 1-0 in Uyo, restoring Troost-Ekong to the starting lineup alongside Stanley Nwabali in goal, Frederick Benjamin, Bassey, and Aina in defence. In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru supported an attack led by Ademola Lookman, Cyril Dessers, and Moses Simon.
Rwanda’s 1-0 win over Zimbabwe in the group’s other fixture further complicated matters for Nigeria. With the result, South Africa top Group C with 17 points from eight matches, Benin Republic sit second, while Nigeria trail in third with 10 points.
The standings mean the Eagles must win their next two games against Lesotho on October 6 and Benin on October 13 to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Only the group winner qualifies automatically for the World Cup. The runner-up enters playoffs, but must also be among the four best second-placed teams across Africa to stand a chance.
Failure to finish in the top two would see Nigeria miss out on the global showpiece for the first time since 2006.
